Cougars host coaches clinic
The facility is located just off of Kirk Road, between Elfstrom Stadium and the Fox Valley Ice Arena. The event is free; interested attendees are asked to RSVP by calling the Cougars at (630) 232-8811 or emailing [email protected].
This year's clinic will include several instructors from the Cougars, as well as Kane County's parent club, the Oakland Athletics, who will be present to share coaching philosophies and offer specific guidance in the areas of on-field execution, training, and coaching style. Participants will be divided into small groups and visit each station throughout the morning session. Guests are encouraged to bring notepads or video recorders for their convenience.
The following clinic instructors have been confirmed for this Saturday's event:
Fielding by Steve Scarsone (former Major Leaguer; Cougars manager for 2009 season)
Catching by Aaron Nieckula (former Cougars manager from 2006-08; promoted to managerial post with Stockton Ports for '09)
Pitching by Jimmy Escalante (4-year Minor League career as pitcher; Cougars pitching coach for '09)
Training by Mark Nilles (ATC/L, CSCS, certified athletic trainer/strength and conditioning)
Hitting by Greg Sparks (Oakland Athletics roving hitting instructor)
"I encourage every area youth baseball and softball coach to make plans and attend this Saturday's clinic," Cougars clinic coordinator David Edison said. "Coaches will get a great head start in preparing their teams for the upcoming season, and receive some valuable pointers from professional instructors while networking with other youth coaches."
The clinic is provided free-of-charge as a community service from the Cougars and Athletics. A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided for attendees.
The Kane County Cougars' 2009 Winter Banquet and Silent Auction, sponsored by Provena Mercy Medical Center, takes place this Friday, January 30, at Pipers Banquets in Aurora, located at the corner of Church and Butterfield Roads. Former Cougars radio announcers and current Major League broadcasters Dave Wills and Scott Franzke will co-headline and speak, along with 2008 Cougars Team MVP Larry Cobb and new Kane County skipper and former Major Leaguer, Steve Scarsone.
The evening's festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and the start of the silent auction and raffle in which all proceeds benefit Ozzie's Outreach, the Cougars' charitable foundation. Valuable silent auction items donated by sports teams and area businesses continue to arrive at the Cougars' front office and will be available for silent auction bid or awarded as raffle prizes.
Table spots for the Cougars' annual charity event are still available, and can be reserved by calling the Cougars at (630) 232-8811. Fans can view www.kccougars.com to order banquet tickets, as well as to view a sampling of silent auction items.